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Night OwlsNot often talked about in comparison to discussion regarding obesity, malnutrition in older people is reported to be a serious problem.
The new campaign will help everyone to spot the symptoms in elderly friends and relatives and offer practical ways to help.
Malnourishment and dehydration cause serious health problems − including infections, depression and falls.
Most elderly people affected still live in their own homes and nationally more than three million are at risk.
It's also a common cause of admission to hospitals and care homes and costs the taxpayer billions of pounds a year.
Commenting on the campaign Councillor Carol Hart, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said "Malnutrition affects the dignity of older people but it needn't happen. Once carers know the simple signs to look for − such as loose clothing and thin upper arms − it's much easier to get the right help early on.
Of course we all know that low fat, healthy eating is best for most of us. But we need to get the message across that elderly people with a small appetite need a high calorie diet."
Derbyshire County Council will be working closely with local GPs, hospitals, voluntary groups and carers to launch the campaign in the spring.
If you would like to get involved with the campaign or you'd simply like to find out more when it launches, please register for updates (opens in a new window).